Message from the Principal.

Welcome to St. Finian’s National School — a vibrant, caring, and forward-thinking primary school where every child is valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Located on the edge of the beautiful village of Waterville, our school has proudly served the local community since 1915. We are a co-educational school with a strong Catholic ethos and a deep commitment to nurturing the holistic development of every pupil. We currently have 110 pupils and a dedicated team of 15 staff.

At St. Finian’s, we are proud to offer:

Modern learning spaces, including five bright classrooms (one in a newly constructed modular building), two dedicated learning support rooms, and a well-stocked library that fosters a love of reading.

An enriching outdoor environment, featuring a state-of-the-art sensory garden and a brand-new astro turf pitch, mud kitchen and sand play area, which all support physical activity, well-being, and inclusive play.

We invite you to explore our website, visit our school, and discover what makes St. Finian’s a special place to begin your child’s educational journey.

Warm regards,

David O’Leary

Principal

About St. Finian's

St. Finian's has cultivated a thriving learning environment built on strong foundations and continuous improvement. We are proud of several key achievements that define our school:

• Our Welcoming Atmosphere: Consistently recognised by staff and parents for providing a safe, happy, and inclusive school where children feel secure and valued.

• Dedicated Staff: Our team is highly committed, approachable, and works collaboratively to meet the diverse needs of our pupils.

• Excellent & Expanding Facilities: Boasting outstanding outdoor spaces that enhance learning and play, including an astro-turf pitch, a sensory garden and greenhouse, a mud kitchen, and a sand play area. We have also recently developed a well-resourced school library, and the addition of a fifth classroom has expanded our capacity, reducing the pupil-to-teacher ratio across the school.
  
  

• Strong Community Links: We actively involve and include the wider school community, fostering positive relationships.

• Effective Communication: Parents feel well-informed and communicated with through various channels, including the Eolas App, monthly newsletters, and emails

• Student Empowerment: We value student voice, actively involving children in decision making and leadership roles through initiatives such as the Student Council.

• Focus on Wellbeing: Prioritising the wellbeing of each child is central to our educational approach.

Life at St. Finian's

St. Finian's buzzes with activity and a warmth that extends from the classroom to the playground. Our school is a place where children feel safe, welcomed and valued every day. Learning extends beyond textbooks, utilising our wonderful local environment and excellent outdoor facilities such as the astro-turf pitch, sensory garden and mud kitchen. A recent highlight, funded through dedicated community fundraising, is our fantastic school library. Well stocked with a wide array of barcoded books, it functions just like a community library, with each class enjoying dedicated time to explore, borrow and develop a love for reading. Monthly assemblies are highlights, celebrating children's achievements and showcasing their diverse talents. We actively encourage student voice through our elected Student Council, giving children leadership roles and involving them in decision-making. Collaboration is key, not just among our committed staff, but also with our parents and the wider Waterville community. Whether it's tending the school garden, visiting the library, engaging in creative projects, or participating in community events, there's a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose that defines life at St. Finian's.